Updates & Meetings

8/27/10 - Major Win for Nurse & Patient Safety at Sacred Heart!

Court Rules That Nurses Need Full, Uninterrupted Rest Breaks!

After a multiyear legal battle over missed rest breaks, the Spokane County Superior Court has ruled that safety needs to be a priority. Sacred Heart was found to have violated the Washington Minimum Wage Act by working nurses through their breaks without compensating them appropriately. WSNA brought the wage and hour lawsuit in 2007 in order to ensure the hospital provided adequate staffing to fully relieve nurses of their duties and allow them to take uninterrupted rest breaks. Rest breaks play a critical role in preventing fatigue and fatigue-related errors.

The Court's decision forces the hospital to pay for overtime worked because of missed breaks. This means Sacred Heart will have to pay time and half for missed breaks that result in time worked over 40 hours.

The judge also ruled that intermittent rest breaks are not appropriate for nurses.  Nurses must be alert and prepared to act at all times they are working, and to do that effectively, nurses need uninterrupted rest breaks in which they are fully relieved from their duties.

The Court found that Sacred Heart committed this violation willfully and must pay double damages and all attorney fees for the multiyear legal battle. This ruling will serve as an example to other hospitals in Washington and across this country that nurses must receive full, uninterrupted breaks.

Thank you Sacred Heart nurses for your perseverance and courage.

• Read full text of the Court's decision
• Read official WSNA press release

 

4/13/2010 - Contract Bonuses

• The negotiated bonuses, signing $300 for each RN and longevity $750 for each RN with 10 yrs will be paid on the 4/30 pay date. They will be issued in a separate check, but will be direct deposited.
  
  
• If you have any questions or concerns please contact:
  
  Debi Bessmer RN
  WSNA Nurse Rep
  1800-231-8482 ext 3112
  dbessmer@wsna.org
  

 

4/8/2010 - Contract Ratified!

The contract has been ratified!

Please thank your negotiating team for volunteering their time and doing such a great job

Your new contract will arrive on a user friendly CD. This CD will contain your contract and much, much more: the nurse practice act, health and safety information, and links to several websites.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact:

Debi Bessmer, BSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Representative
575 Andover Park West, Suite 101
Seattle, WA 98188
1-800-231-8482 Ext. 3112
dbessmer@wsna.org

 

Victory!

VICTORY for Sacred Heart Nurses!
WSNA is working for you, your workplace environment and patient safety!
Department of Labor Industries (L&I) investigation results in Citations & Fines

  Sacred Heart found to be in
Violation of Safety Standards in H1N1 Prevention

 

On January 29, 2010, Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Division of Occupational and Safety and Health (DOSH) issued a citation, along with an $8000 fine, against Sacred Heart for violation of CDC and OSHA guidelines on H1N1 and the DOSH Directive on Enforcement Procedures for High or Very High Occupational Exposure Risk to the 2009 H1N1 Influenza.  Click here to read the L&I citation and fine (PDF, 332KB).

L&I found Sacred Heart to be in violation in 8 specific instances and issued a fine totaling $8,000 for the various violations. The findings were in response to a WSNA complaint, filed in October of 2009, against Sacred Heart and its infection control policies regarding the use of N-95 respirators in treating suspected or diagnosed H1N1 patients.

Despite the fact that SHMC management’s claim on Nov. 3rd that: “The Dept. of Labor made a visit to the hospital on Tuesday to respond to a complaint from WSNA that the hospital was not doing enough to protect staff against H1N1. They did not find the complaint was substantiated...” L&I did indeed agree with WSNA’s charges and found Sacred Heart to be in violation of CDC and OSHA guidelines on H1N1 flu prevention! 
Specific violations cited by L&I include:

• Inadequate written respiratory protection program
• Not all employees who wear N-95 respirators have been fit tested or trained on an annual basis
• No provision for men with facial hair which can interfere with the respirator seal of N-95 respirators

Sacred Heart is required by law to post the citation on its health and safety bulletin board for three working days or until all violations are corrected, whichever time period is longer. 

This is a huge victory for patient and nurse safety!

Together we can hold Sacred Heart accountable!

 

 

Strike Vote

Advisory Secret Ballot Strike Vote

• Your WSNA negotiation team completed one full day of mediation on February 3, 2010. Thanks to your obvious unity and strength, as demonstrated by our Informational Picket, we are hopeful that we can move management off many of the take-aways, but… the Retirement Changes are going to be the difficult issue.
• We are heading back to mediation on February 22nd
• Your Negotiating Team wants to talk with you now about the tough question:  Are the proposed changes to Retirement important enough to you that you would be willing to STRIKE? 

 So here is what we need all of you to do:

• Don’t miss attending one of these meetings at the Operating Engineers 370 Union Hall (510 South Elm St., Spokane, WA) on:
  
  

  February 17th, 2010:

  • 0800-0900
  • 1300-1400
  • 1600-1700
  • 2000-210

• We will be conducting an Advisory Secret Ballot Strike Vote at each of these meetings.  Come together to hear more information about what this means.  This is preliminary to an actual strike vote. 

 

Press Release

Registered Nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center Hold Informational Picket to
Highlight Patient Safety Concerns During Stalled Contract Negotiations

 

Informational Picket

Thank you Sacred Heart Nurses!

Thanks to your enthusiastic and overwhelming support at the informational picket, we received media coverage and attention from all three media outlets; televesion, radio, and newsprint. Behold the fruits of your dedication and unity:

In Solidarity,
The Washington State Nurses Association

TELEVISION

With a 1:41 clip of the news story KXLY News Channel 4 aired.
http://www.kxly.com/news/22416727/detail.html

KREM News Channel, 2:03clip of the news they ran
http://www.krem.com/news/local/
Nurses-picketing-Sacred-Heart-over-contract--83360167.html

PRINT

Spokesman Journal Article
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/feb/02/
sacred-heart-nurses-picket-over-breaks-benefits/

KVIA Channel 7 (posted PRNewswire-US Newswire story)
http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=11918643

 

Reminder

Please show our UNITY during these times of negotiations by wearing WSNA blue on Tuesdays.

“Tuesday is Blues Day!”

 

1/28/10 - ACTION ALERT!

The Heat is On!  Your Negotiating Team Needs YOU NOW!  All WSNA RNs at Sacred Heart Medical Center!

Informational Picketing:
February 2nd, 2010
0700 to 1700
We will meet at McClellan and 8th

NOW is the time for ALL of you to get involved.  Bring your family and friends to hold picket signs to support the excellent nurses at Sacred Heart!
Picketing Sign-up:
January 29th, 2010
0800-1000 or 1400-1700
At the Operating Engineers 370 Union Hall in Spokane
(510 South Elm St.).
Please come any time during the open forums to sign up for picketing and ask questions. Choose one or more shifts (7-9 AM,
9-11 AM, 11 AM-1 PM, 1-3 PM, 3-5 PM).

Get Ready! Have Fun!
February 1st, 2010
1500-1800
Picket Sign Making Party at the Operating Engineers 370 Union Hall in Spokane (510 South Elm St.)

 

1/25/10 - Negotiation Update

It’s time to stand up and say “NO” by informational picketing!!

• We still have made little progress in negotiations and are heading to mediation. 
• Some of the major take-aways still on the table are:
• Retirement - the new plan would shift all of the investment risk onto the nurse and will not provide a defined, guaranteed benefit.
• Health benefits - no protection of increases for co-pays and deductibles.
• Layoff and reassignment - Fewer protections and fewer options.
• Rest breaks - management wants intermittent rest breaks which would take away your 15 continuous minutes of rest to sit down, put your feet up and gather your thoughts so you can get back on the floor and safely provide patient care. 
• Mandatory Call Scheduling - Units with mandatory call could be required to take unscheduled call on short notice for unanticipated absences. 

Informational Picketing:

When:       
February 2nd, 2010

Time:        
0700 to 1700

Place:        
Meet at McClellan and 8th

• Informational picketing is not a strike and so this will be done on your off time which can include your lunch and rest breaks. 
• Sign- up sheets will be coming around asking you to commit to a 2 hour block of time, bring 5 friends or family with you.
• The only way to fight this is to do it Together!!!!

Open Forums:

Please come to one of the open forums to sign up for picketing and ask questions.

January 29th, 2010

0800-1000 or 1400-1700

At the Operating Engineers 370 Union Hall in Spokane (510 South Elm St.).

 

1/19/10 - Negotiation Update

We still have made little progress in negotiations and are heading to mediation. 

Some of the major take-aways still on the table are:

• Retirement - the new plan would shift all of the investment risk onto the nurse and will not provide a defined, guaranteed benefit.
• Health benefits - no protection of increases for co-pays and deductibles.
• Layoff and reassignment - Fewer protections and fewer options.
• Rest breaks - management wants intermittent rest breaks which would take away your 15 continuous minutes of rest to sit down, put your feet up and gather your thoughts so you can get back on the floor and safely provide patient care. 
• Mandatory Call Scheduling - Units with mandatory call could be required to take unscheduled call on short notice for unanticipated absences. 

We have heard your voices and know you are ready to stand together in UNITY to fight off these take-aways.  We are considering what action to take next, so please watch your email and mail closely.

Continue to wear your WSNA buttons and remember “Tuesday is Bluesday!”

 

12/22/09 - Action Alert!

Are you willing to lose major benefits you currently have?  Serious take-aways proposed at negotiations by your employer.

Show your UNITY by coming to this important meeting.  We need to stand up and say “NO!” together.

Don’t miss attending one of these meetings at the Operating Engineers 370 Union Hall (510 South Elm St., Spokane, WA) on January 13th, 2010:

• 0800 - 0900
• 1300 - 1400
• 1600 - 1700
• 2000 - 2100

 

12/21/09 - Negotiation Update

We have continued to make little progress in negotiations.  There has been an agreement to extend the contract through one more meeting, which will be in January 14th, 2010. 

Major take-aways still on the table are:

• Retirement - the new plan would shift all of the investment risk onto the nurse and will not provide a defined, guaranteed benefit.
• Health benefits - no protection of increases for co-pays and deductibles.
• Layoff and reassignment - less protections and less options, and management will have the flexibility to change units at will with only 14 days notice and not necessarily utilize seniority when doing so.
• Rest breaks - management wants intermittent rest breaks which would take away your 15 continuous minutes of rest to sit down, put your feet up and gather your thoughts so you can get back on the floor and safely provide patient care. 
• Mandatory Call Scheduling - Units with mandatory call could be required to take unscheduled call on short notice for unanticipated absences. 

“Tuesdays Are Blues Days!"

Please show our UNITY by wearing WSNA blue on Tuesdays.

Please watch for upcoming events and plan to attend.  We will all need to take action in order to say “NO” to these very aggressive take-aways.  You are the UNION. 

UNITY NOW!

 

12/1/09 - Action Alert!

• Serious take-aways proposed at negotiations by your employer.
• Important meeting - your team needs your input.
• Don't miss attending one of these meetings at the Operating Engineers 370 Union Hall (510 Elm St., Spokane, WA) on:
  
  Tuesday, December 8th
  
  0800-0900
  1300-1400
  1600-1700
  2000-2100

 

11/17/09 - Negotiation Update

Your negotiation team has had two days of negotiations so far.  We are waiting for management’s complete proposal, including economics.  Please stay tuned for upcoming events and information.

Your Negotiation Team Members are:

• Kathy Ormsby (Co-Chair) PICU
• Pat Kandratowicz (Co-Chair) PCCA
• Camille Sturdivant-Daly (Grievance Officer) ER
• Deb Perry (Treasurer) NICU
• Paula Thomas (Secretary) MB
• Kristie Dimak (Member-at-large) 5N
• Laurel Layton- 2N
• Pernille Mayhew- 4S
• Zandra Whittington- 7N
• Vicki Benson- Radiology

Dates of Negotiations are:

• November 18th
• November 23rd
• December 7th
• December 11th

11/09/09 - Safety Alert and Action Plans!

Your WSNA Local Unit wants to stand in unity with you!  We are demanding that your patients and you are fully protected with the safest workplace environments and practices.  The nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center are in objection of Sacred Heart Medical Center not following the CDC respiratory protection guidelines!

Join your WSNA colleagues in a demonstration that will be held to symbolize our objection to inadequate protections. We will be passing out N95 respirators to all RNs!

When:
Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Time:
1400 to 1600

Where:
Look for us as you drive into the East and West parking lots and also as you walk to and from the Water Tower parking lot. 

You Deserve an N95Respirator Today!

 

11/02/09 - Safety Alert

• WSNA has been alerted to a safety concern at your hospital - Your Managements new H1N1 policy is not consistent with the updated CDC guidelines for respiratory protection and use of N95 masks. We believe the CDC guidelines are the minimum standard to be followed.
• Nurses are being told by your management not to use N95 masks when in close contact with patients with suspected or confirmed H1N1 influenza but only when performing aerosol-generating procedures.
• CDC guidelines state:

• Respiratory Protection –
  Recommendation: CDC continues to recommend the use of respiratory protection that is at least as protective as a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator for healthcare personnel who are in close contact with patients with suspected or confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. This recommendation applies uniquely to the special circumstances of the current 2009 H1N1 pandemic during the fall and winter of 2009-2010 and CDC will continue to revisit its guidance as new information becomes available, within this season if necessary
• Basis: The current recommendation is based on the unique conditions associated with the current pandemic, including low levels of population immunity to 2009 H1N1 influenza, availability of vaccination programs well after the start of the pandemic, susceptibility to infection of those in the age range of healthcare personnel, increased risk for complications of influenza in some healthcare personnel (e.g., pregnant women), and the potential for healthcare personnel to be exposed to 2009 H1N1 influenza patients because of their occupation.
• Your WSNA officers were told at conference committee that the hospital had an adequate supply of N95 masks and was given documentation that showed the hospital has over 5000 N95 masks available.
• Out of concern for your safety, WSNA has filed complaints at the Department of Health and Labor and Industries.

For up to date information concerning the H1N1 flu go to www.wsna.org.

 

11/02/09 - Come join us for another Local Unit Rep Meeting!

Find out what is going on as we start negotiations. 
(Please note below a new location this time.)

When: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Time: 1700-1900

Where: Luigi’s Restaurant, 245 W. Main Ave., Spokane, WA

RSVP:
Debi  Bessmer,  BSN, RN
WSNA Nurse Rep
1-800-231-8482 Ext. 3112
dbessmer@wsna.org

 

05/15/09

Guideline Changes
WSNA was informed at conference committee that management is looking at guideline changes in several units.  We have not received a full list of units that may be affected or any details of changes.   We feel this is very disappointing and short sighted so we ask of you to please stay informed and voice your concerns by:

Reviewing your contract. 

• Staffing changes are under article 9.15 in your contract.  If you do not have a contract, go to www.wsna.org  and click on Local Units then Sacred Heart and download your contract.

Attending staff meetings. 

• For affected units, these meetings are supposed to be held the week of May 25, 2009.  Find out when yours is and attend. 
• Please ask questions and voice concerns at these meetings.
• The purpose of the staff meeting(s) will be to discuss staffing changes and seek input from the affected nurses.  At the staff meeting(s) the Unit Manager will discuss the data and trends that have been identified and the intended changes and obtain any additional input from staff of the affected unit shift(s).  In addition, the manager will outline the evaluation method related to these changes.  If requested by the unit staff, a Local Unit Officer may be present at the meeting(s) to clarify contract related issues.

Ask questions to your officers and/or Nurse Representative:

• Coming to café time on May 18th from 0600-0800 and May 28th from 1600-1900 in the Sacred Heart Café.  Look for the WSNA table sign.
• Talk to your officers by calling voice-tel (1-866-305-5612)
• Contact your Nurse Rep, Debi Bessmer at dbessmer@wsna.org or     1-800-231-8482 ext 3112.

Attend the next Conference Committee.

• This is scheduled for June 4th from 0800-1600.  A schedule is to come out with times for each unit. 
• Come prepared to voice your concerns and interests. 
• Unit nurses may attend the conference committee meeting; however, only one nurse selected by the Association from each affected shift(s) on the affected unit(s) shall be provided paid release time to attend the Conference Committee meeting. 
• Please figure out which nurses from your unit will be paid and get that information to WSNA via the contact information above. 

 

Reassignment / Layoff Update

Your Officers and Nurse Rep have had one meeting with your management concerning the upcoming reassignment/layoff and here is what we know:

The units being downsized are:

• EEP (early employment program)
• NICU
• Women’s outpt- lactation
• 8S
• 4N
• 4S
• 5S
• 26 positions have been identified within the units above.

Bumping within clinical groups may cause nurses to be displaced.

There are 42 vacant open positions within the hospital that management has identified.

Notification for potentially affected nurses is to go out June 3rd, 2009.

• Many more nurses are notified then actually will be affected due to the possibility of nurses choosing bumping options. 

The reassignment date has been set for June  26th, 2009

• If you are one of the affected nurses and will be out of town on this day (June 26th), please call Lourie Morse in human resources and leave a contact number by which you can be reached.

If you have any questions contact:
Debi Bessmer WSNA Nurse Rep
1-800-231-8482
dbessmer@wsna.org